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Resources for Residents
Reduce & Reuse First
Reduce
Preventing waste, or source reduction, is the first step in zero waste. Waste prevention means taking advantage o reuse, donation and other reduction opportunities to get the most environmental and economic benefits possible. The first step to achieving zero waste is to look at your current consumption habits and reduce them as much as possible. By purchasing only what you need, you are able to eliminate unnecessary waste from being generated.
Reuse
After you eliminate or reduce purchasing and acquiring unnecessary “stuff," the next step is to reuse as many items as possible. Switching to reusables instead of single-use not only benefits the environment, but also your wallet! If you look around, there are many single-use items you use every day that can be replaced with reusables. Some common everyday items that you can replace with reusables include water bottles, mugs, utensils and bags. It may also help to start your own “zero waste kit”, and get in the habit of keeping it with you.
- Reusable bag
- Reusable napkin
- Beeswax wrap
- Reusable water bottle
- Reusable coffee tumbler, bottle, mug
- Mason Jar
- Reusable produce bag
- Reusable utensils
- Reusable straw
Local Donation Resources
If you no longer want/need something, the best thing you can do is to donate it. This ensures that your unwanted item does not end up in the landfill, and the person on the receiving end will save money and resources by not buying it new. There are many local stores that will accept gently used items that are in good condition.
Do not leave “free boxes” at the curb. Items left outside become garbage, costing the City and therefore you, thousands of dollars annually. If thrift stores won’t take your items, make sure to take it to the appropriate disposal site.
Please note: Local secondhand stores have begun to reopen after being temporarily closed due to Covid-19. Secondhand stores must now adhere to CDC guidelines and may have adjusted their donation protocols. We will continue to update the list below as we learn more. As always, please make sure all items are clean, dry, and in good working condition before donating, and please call or check ahead to confirm hours of operation and what items can be accepted.
Organization | Address | Phone | Business Hours | Donation Information |
1309 10th St. | (707) 822-5019 | Mon-Sat:10 am - 7 pm | Donations accepted Thur, Fri & Sat from 11 am - 4 pm. All donations will be sorted upon arrival. Will not accept anything with stains, rips, odors, mold, hair, etc. Only one bag of clothing per person per day (must be washed and folded). Furniture is accepted on a case by case basis. No headboards, entertainment centers, mattresses, or box springs. | |
11th & G St. | (707) 822-1321 | Tues & Fri: 12:30pm - 4:30 pm | Donations only during business hours. No furniture or electronics. | |
1109 11th St. | (707) 822-8288 | Mon-Sat: 10 am-6 pm | No children’s clothes. | |
88 Sunny Brae Center | (707) 826-7387 | Tues-Fri: 10 am-5:30 pm | Donations accepted with approval. | |
2942 F St. Eureka, CA | (707) 443-2155 | Mon-Fri: 9:30 am-5:30 pm | Donations accepted Mon - Fri from 11 am - 4 pm. Working electronics accepted. No car seats, mattresses, pillows, or medical equipment. Furniture pick-up offered for $10-$20 fee, depending on location. | |
307 W. 14th St. | (707) 445-3166 | Mon-Fri: 9 am-4:30 pm | Accepts sealed, non-perishable food. | |
| Eco-Groovy Deals | 813 H St, Arcata, CA | (707) 822-3015 | Daily 11 am - 6 pm | Furniture donations will be accepted by appointment only. Call or text 707-834-7220 to make an appointment. |
1085 K St. | (707) 825-1004 | Mon-Sat: 10 am-6 pm | Buys gently used furniture & housewares. Free furniture pick-up offered. | |
575 H St. | (707) 826-2545 | Mon-Sat: 12 pm-4 pm | Donations accepted Mon - Thurs from 12 pm - 2 pm. Cannot accept clothing, shoes, linens, or books at this time. | |
Warren House 53 (HSU) | (707) 826-4162 | Mon-Fri: 8 am-5 pm | HSU students only. School/office supplies accepted. | |
1030 Broadway | (707) 443-2523 | Mon-Sat: 10 am-5:30 pm | Donations accepted Tues - Sat from 10 am - 4:45 pm. Can no longer accept worn clothing, toys, stuffed animals, cassettes, items that require assembly, car parts, tents, greeting cards, tire chains, playpens, cribs, strollers, car seats, ceiling fans, entertainment centers, mattresses, box springs, or bed pillows. Curbside "pick-up" services are offered. Please call for more information. | |
1000 H St. | (707) 822-1307 | Mon-Fri: 11 am-4 pm | Buys books for cash or store credit. Books will be inspected. Call for details. | |
210 C St. Eureka, CA | (707) 442-8121 | Mon-Sat: 11 am- 6pm | Vinyl records, CDs and DVDs. Donations accepted with approval. Buy & trade option available. |